CAMBRIDGE, MA— Neville Place Assisted Living recently unveiled their adopted Fresh Pond habitat as part of an initiative to restore the natural beauty of the area, protect the land, and create a space for residents, visitors, and animals to enjoy.
On April 18th, 2023, the habitat restoration started off with a clean up party. Associates, residents, family members, and Fresh Pond Rangers Tim and Omar came together to clear the area of invasive plants, making space for the species that truly belong there. Neville Place’s habitat is one of only three habitats that have been adopted and cared for at Fresh Pond, and all who participated in the clean up effort felt rewarded and honored to put their green thumbs to use.
In May of 2023, the next phase of the restoration saw the residents and family members help the indigenous plants put down new roots. Rangers Tim and Omar once again oversaw the project, helping volunteers to plant white and purple violets, ferns, and even some rare Solomon Seal and Wood Aster plants. A group of third graders from St. Peter’s School in Cambridge also joined in on the action, assisting the Neville Place team in the restoration efforts and even performing their own plays for residents and families to add to the fun.
“Our sore arms, legs, and backs were definitely worth it for a day in the fresh air doing honest work!” shares Emily Nardiello, Executive Director of Neville Place. “This project has been so rewarding for all of us here at Neville Place. We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be in nature, give back to a habitat that’s right in our backyard, and support our residents in making connections to the greater community.”
The hard work of residents, families, and student helpers culminated in a ribbon cutting ceremony August 31st, 2023. Members of the surrounding community, including the Fresh Pond Rangers, officially celebrated the opening of the special corner of Fresh Pond. A beautiful butterfly release provided the perfect ending to months of dedication and commitment.
As a form of recognition for their Adopt a Habitat project, Neville Place was awarded a Sense of Purpose Star Award from Senior Living Residences, their management company based in Braintree, MA. The award honored the way in which the restoration empowered residents to immerse themselves in nature, connect with the incredible plants and animals around them, and form intergenerational bonds with the student helpers. Neville Place and the surrounding community ultimately came together to make the habitat a welcoming and harmonious space in which all visitors can respect and preserve all that the natural world has to offer.